He who does not follow here the cycle of sacrifice set in motion, lives sinfully, delighted in the senses. He lives in vain, O son of Pritha.
Failure to respect this cycle leads to a wasted life, says Krishna. He cautions against a self-centered existence, stressing that fulfillment arises from upholding one’s role within the cosmic framework, beyond mere sensory enjoyment.
But the man who is content to the self alone, who is satisfied with the self, for him there is no prescribed duty.
Krishna describes the self-contented person, who is fulfilled without external dependency. This ideal of self-sufficiency showcases a state where actions flow effortlessly from inner completeness rather than external need.
For him, there is no purpose in work, nor any reason to avoid work. For such a person, there is no dependence on anything in the world.
A self-sufficient person, Krishna teaches, is unaffected by praise or blame. He portrays independence from outcomes as essential for spiritual maturity, urging Arjuna to act without concern for external validation or reward.
Therefore, always perform your duty without attachment, for by performing work without attachment, one attains the Supreme.
Krishna advocates detached action, emphasizing that selfless deeds lead to the highest goal. He encourages continual effort without attachment, showing Arjuna that true renunciation involves commitment to duty without expectation.
By action alone, King Janaka and others attained perfection. You should perform your duties for the welfare of the world.
Krishna highlights examples of exemplary figures like King Janaka, who achieved liberation through action. By acting selflessly for the good of society, one attains both personal growth and societal harmony, inspiring others to do the same.
Whatever a great man does, others will follow; whatever standards he sets, the world will follow.
Krishna describes how leaders set standards through their actions. By acting with integrity, leaders influence others positively, guiding society toward virtue and stability, thus underscoring the importance of leading by example.
O son of Pritha, I have no duty in all three worlds, nor anything to gain or to attain, yet I continue to engage in action.
Krishna clarifies that, despite his supreme position, he performs duties to set an example. This exemplifies selfless leadership, where even the divine follows dharma to demonstrate the ideal of responsibility and adherence to duty.